KAUST Professor Iain McCulloch has received the 2020 Blaise Pascal Medal for Materials Science from the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc). McCulloch directs KAUST's Solar Center and also holds a professorship at Imperial College London. His research focuses on semiconducting small molecules and polymers for organic electronic devices, leading to advancements in organic solar cells. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to materials science and its focus on advancing solar energy technologies in the region.
Afrah Alothman, a Ph.D. student in marine science at KAUST, is conducting research in the Red Sea, studying the impact of various variables on the marine environment. She collects seawater samples from different depths to measure temperature, nutrients, and salinity, and quantifies carbon uptake by planktonic microorganisms. Her supervisor, Susana Agusti, praised her efforts during a challenging oceanographic cruise. Why it matters: This research contributes to Saudi Vision 2030 by developing local expertise in marine science and understanding the Red Sea ecosystem.
KAUST researchers are studying coral reefs in the Northern Red Sea, which exhibit unusual heat tolerance, surviving temperatures 5°C above the mean summer maximum. This resilience makes them a potential refuge for coral, offering a "climate change insurance" for the next 100 years. Researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind this thermotolerance to aid coral conservation efforts globally. Why it matters: Understanding and preserving these unique coral reefs could provide crucial insights and strategies for protecting coral ecosystems worldwide in the face of rising ocean temperatures.
KAUST Professors William Roberts and Robert Dibble were inducted as Fellows of The Combustion Institute (CI) in February. Roberts was recognized for his work on laminar flames, turbulent combustion, and soot formation at elevated pressures. Dibble was inducted for exceptional contributions to developing and using laser diagnostics for combustion research. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to combustion research and strengthens its position as a leading institution in the field, attracting top students and researchers.
Victor Vescovo and the Caladan Oceanic crew, in cooperation with KAUST, made multiple manned dives into the Red Sea. They reached the deepest point, the Suakin Trough, for the first time. The team also dove the Kebrit Deep, which is shallower but scientifically important. Why it matters: This exploration provides an opportunity to study and protect the unique resources of the Red Sea's deepest regions, furthering scientific understanding of these previously inaccessible environments.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Daffne López-Sandoval's marine science research was inspired by Jacques Cousteau's ocean exploration documentaries. She joined KAUST in October 2016 after working at the Institute of Marine Sciences in Barcelona, drawn by the university's potential and opportunities for collaboration. At KAUST, her research focuses on developing new tools to measure microalgae productivity in the Red Sea. Why it matters: This research contributes to understanding the role of marine microbes in the Red Sea ecosystem and their impact on global CO2 sequestration.
KAUST recently concluded a two-week interactive course called "Entrepreneurship for All," developed by Stanford University faculty. The course teaches leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation through design thinking, and is the first of its kind in a Saudi Arabian higher education institution. Students learn to apply design thinking to generate prototypes and market-ready products, as well as negotiation and networking skills. Why it matters: The course supports Saudi Vision 2030's objectives to increase entrepreneurship and create new companies in high-value sectors, contributing to the Kingdom's innovation ecosystem.
KAUST Ph.D. student Zhuo Qu and fellow students from the Statistics Program launched the first American Statistical Association (ASA) student chapter outside of the U.S. in October 2019. The chapter aims to encourage and provide opportunities for KAUST students interested in statistics to connect with statisticians worldwide. In 2020, the chapter plans to organize seminars and connect students interested in statistics and data mining. Why it matters: This initiative highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering a global network of statisticians and promoting data analysis skills among its students, enhancing its role as a hub for international collaboration in STEM fields.
KAUST researchers discovered that dust from the Middle East has a cooling effect over land and the Red Sea. Satellite data indicates dust concentration over the Red Sea is greater than over land, causing significant radiative cooling. The study, published in the Journal of Geographical Research, highlights the climatological dust radiative forcing over the southern Red Sea as the largest globally. Why it matters: Understanding the impact of regional dust on climate change and the Red Sea's ecosystem is crucial for environmental strategies in the Middle East.
KAUST Ph.D. student Michał Mańkowski's research on kidney allocation strategies was recognized as one of the American Journal of Transplantation's "Top 10 Articles of 2019." The research demonstrated how an accelerated allocation strategy could increase the utilization of kidneys at risk for non-use, potentially reducing discard rates. Mańkowski aims to translate his U.S.-focused research to improve organ transplantation within the Saudi Arabian healthcare system. Why it matters: This research has the potential to improve organ transplant outcomes and resource allocation in Saudi Arabia, addressing a critical healthcare need.
KAUST research scientist Viko Ladelta received the best poster award at the 16th Pacific Polymer Conference (PPC-16) in Singapore for his work on multicrystalline multiblock polymers. The award-winning research, co-authored with Nikos Hadjichristidis, details a one-pot synthetic strategy using organocatalysts. PPC-16 brought together over 1,000 polymer scientists from 16 countries to discuss polymer research. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to advanced polymer science, highlighting the university's role in international research and innovation in materials science.
KAUST Ph.D. student Gaurav Agarwal won the best student paper award at the International Indian Statistical Association's 2019 Student Paper Competition for his work on the joint distribution of wind speed and direction. Agarwal's research involved developing a visualization tool for bivariate functional data, which can be used in climate and weather prediction models. He also received a scholarship based on his contributions using R. Why it matters: This award recognizes innovative work in environmental statistics at KAUST, highlighting the university's contributions to data science and statistical learning with applications to climate modeling.
KAUST Professor Marc Genton has been selected as the 2020 Georges Matheron Lecturer of the International Association for Mathematical Geosciences. Genton will present a lecture at the 36th International Geological Congress in Delhi, India, focusing on geostatistics, climate model outputs, and the ExaGeoStat software developed at KAUST. His lecture will cover Matheron's theory of regionalized variables and showcase ExaGeoStat, a high-performance software for geostatistics with exascale computing capability developed at KAUST. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to advanced statistical methods and high-performance computing in geosciences, enhancing its international reputation in these fields.
KAUST alumna Dina Bashir Abusamra, who received her master's degree in 2010 and Ph.D. in 2016 from KAUST, is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Her early research at KAUST focused on understanding the mechanisms by which transplanted hematopoietic stem cells home back to bone marrow, specifically studying glycan-binding proteins like selectin. She now studies the role of glycan-binding proteins and galectins in microenvironment modulation. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of KAUST in fostering scientific talent and contributing to research in biomedical engineering and bioscience, with alumni now making contributions at leading international research institutions.
KAUST Professor Carlos M. Duarte received a Frontiers of Knowledge Award for Ecology and Conservation Biology from Fundación BBVA in Spain. Duarte's research focuses on global marine science problems and his contributions to Saudi Vision 2030. The award recognizes his leadership and dedication to expanding knowledge of ocean flora, fauna, and their carbon sequestering capacities. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the university's growing prominence in environmental research and its alignment with Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals.
Researchers from KAUST, JCU, and UTS discovered dozens of new coral species on the Great Barrier Reef during a 21-day expedition. The team found that the biodiversity of some coral groups is up to three times higher than previously thought. One hard coral species, Acropora hyacinthus, may actually be five different species. Why it matters: This discovery enhances the understanding of coral diversity and distribution, which is crucial for the conservation and management of Australia's World Heritage site.
KAUST Professor of Electrical Engineering Boon S. Ooi has been elected as a Fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This honor recognizes Ooi's contributions to semiconductor photonics, optical sensors, and particularly his work on fiber sensors for oil & gas and agriculture. Ooi's inventions are relevant to communications, health, energy and agriculture. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's and the region's increasing contributions to impactful research and innovation in areas like optical sensing and semiconductor photonics.
KAUST Ph.D. student Jinhui Xiong won the best paper award at the 24th International Symposium on Vision, Modeling, and Visualization in Germany for his paper "Stochastic Convolutional Sparse Coding". The paper, co-authored with KAUST Professors Peter Richtárik and Wolfgang Heidrich, introduces a novel stochastic spatial-domain solver for Convolutional Sparse Coding (CSC). The proposed algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art solutions in terms of execution time and offers an improved representation for learning dictionaries from sample images. Why it matters: This award recognizes significant research in efficient image representation and dictionary learning, contributing to advancements in visual computing and AI at KAUST.
KAUST Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain was elected as an IEEE Fellow for his contributions to flexible and stretchable electronic circuits. Hussain is the principal investigator of the KAUST Futuristic Electronics and Integrated Nanotechnology Lab and the principal ideator of the KAUST FabLab and vFabLab™. His research focuses on transformational electronics, introducing new applications for web-integrated interactive electronics using CMOS-compatible processes. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to cutting-edge research in flexible electronics, an area with increasing importance for IoT devices and various applications in robotics, healthcare, and automation.
KAUST Associate Professor Taous-Meriem Laleg-Kirati leads the Estimation, Modeling and ANalysis (EMAN) research group, focusing on control theory, system modeling, and signal applications. Her group develops mathematical models and algorithms to control processes relying on real-time feedback, especially for systems where experimental data is limited. The EMAN group recently developed a real-time control algorithm for a solar membrane distillation system, increasing water production by over 50% in simulations. Why it matters: Laleg-Kirati's work advances both engineering and healthcare by combining model-based research with AI, offering opportunities for personalized medicine and efficient resource management in the region.
KAUST Ph.D. student Jian You Wang won the outstanding poster award at the 17th International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics in Taiwan for his work on zaxinone mimics. His research, co-authored by other KAUST researchers and scientists from Japan and Spain, focused on developing easy-to-synthesize compounds that act like zaxinone. Two identified mimics (MiZaxs) significantly increased root growth and biomass in wild-type rice seedlings. Why it matters: This research has implications for developing new rice cultivars with higher yields, addressing global food security challenges.
KAUST Associate Professor Jürgen Kosel has been named a distinguished lecturer of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Sensors Council for 2020-2022. Kosel's research focuses on sensors and transducers with applications in animal monitoring, precision farming, Formula One racing, and biomedical instruments. His group is also developing magnetic devices for high-density data storage and cancer treatment. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to sensor technology and its potential impact on diverse fields, including healthcare in developing regions.
KAUST Associate Professor Andrea Fratalocchi was elected a Fellow of the Optical Society (OSA) in September for his innovations in complex optical systems. His research at KAUST focuses on clean energy harvesting, bio-imaging, and advanced optical materials. Fratalocchi heads the Primalight Lab research group and studies applied complexity, aiming to transform complex physical systems into sustainable technologies. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in optics and photonics research and its contributions to developing sustainable technologies.
KAUST Associate Professor Aurelien Manchon has been appointed as the Wohlfarth Lecturer for the Magnetism 2020 conference. The conference, organized by IEEE UK Magnetic Chapter and the Institute of Physics, will be held in Sheffield, U.K. Manchon's research at KAUST focuses on spintronics and the development of high-speed, energy-efficient microelectronics. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to cutting-edge research in spintronics and magnetism, areas crucial for advancing microelectronics and data storage technologies.
International scientists and innovators presented the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) at UNFCCC COP25, an event organized by the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia and KAUST. The CCE model, promoted by Saudi Arabia, focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions (4R). KAUST is contributing to the CCE through scientific advances in engineering, chemical, and biological technologies. Why it matters: The CCE framework represents a pragmatic approach to addressing climate change in the region while leveraging technological innovation and natural processes.
International ocean experts convened at COP25's Oceans Actions Day to discuss ocean and coastal climate actions, emphasizing their role in achieving sustainable development goals. Carlos Duarte, KAUST professor of marine science, highlighted the importance of conserving marine ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses for carbon sequestration and coastal protection. He also noted Saudi Arabia's interest in promoting ocean and coastal climate actions under its G20 Presidency. Why it matters: The event underscores the crucial role of marine ecosystems in mitigating climate change and achieving global sustainability goals, with KAUST playing a prominent role in research and advocacy.
FalconViz, a KAUST-based startup co-founded by alumnus Luca Passone, specializes in 3D surveying and mapping using unmanned aerial systems. Established in 2015, the company offers services such as topographical surveys, mining assessments, and flood modeling to clients in Saudi Arabia and beyond. KAUST provided FalconViz with early funding, training, and ongoing support. Why it matters: The success of FalconViz highlights KAUST's role in fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom's growing technology sector.
KAUST alumnus Babar Khan was named one of MIT Technology Review Arabia's 'Innovators Under 35' for the MENA region in 2019. Khan was recognized for creating an inexpensive sensor technology that detects early bacterial accumulation in water desalination plants. He received the award at the Emerging Technology (EmTech) MENA conference 2019 in Dubai. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing innovation ecosystem in the MENA region and the role of universities like KAUST in fostering technological development.
Four researchers from KAUST attended the 69th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, which focused on physics. The meeting provided an opportunity for young scientists to interact with 39 Nobel laureates, including Donna Strickland and Gérard Mourou. KAUST attendees included Abderrahmen Trichili, Ibrahim Dursun, Abdullah Almansouri, and Latifah Al Maghrabi, who participated in lectures, talks, and open exchanges. Why it matters: Participation in such events raises KAUST's profile and provides invaluable networking and learning opportunities for its researchers.
KAUST announced that 14 of its faculty members were named Highly Cited Researchers in the 2019 list from the Web of Science Group. These researchers produced multiple papers ranking in the top 1% by citations for their field and year, demonstrating significant research influence. The list identifies influential researchers based on data and analysis by bibliometric experts from the Institute for Scientific Information at the Web of Science Group. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing influence and impact in scientific research, placing it among the top universities worldwide for highly cited faculty relative to its size.
Abdullah Hamdi, a Ph.D. student at KAUST, is researching AI, deep learning, and computer vision in the Image and Video Understanding Lab under Associate Professor Bernard Ghanem. His work focuses on developing reliable testing methods for deep learning tools, particularly for sensitive applications like self-driving vehicles. Hamdi aims to disseminate AI knowledge and contribute to the AI ecosystem in the region. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering local AI talent and contributing to critical research areas like autonomous vehicles, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader technology goals.
KAUST student Zain Ahmad won a best poster award at the 45th International Conference on Micro & Nano Engineering in Rhodes, Greece. Ahmad's poster, titled "Hydrophobic Desalination Membranes from Common Hydrophilic Materials," presented research co-authored by Ratul Das, Sankara Arunachalam, Ulrich Buttner, and Himanshu Mishra. The poster presented the first-ever membranes for water desalination using membrane distillation processes derived from water-loving materials, addressing the limitations of traditional water-repellent materials. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contribution to innovative desalination technologies, crucial for water security in arid regions.
KAUST researchers, in collaboration with WHOI, studied whale shark movement patterns near the Shib Habil reef in the Red Sea over six years using visual census, acoustic monitoring, and satellite telemetry. The study monitored 84 sharks and found the aggregation to be highly seasonal, with sharks most abundant in April and May, returning yearly. The site may serve as a nursery for the wider Indian Ocean population, attracting juvenile females, which is unique to Shib Habil. Why it matters: Understanding whale shark behavior and critical habitats like Shib Habil is vital for future conservation efforts of this endangered species in the Red Sea and the broader Indian Ocean.
Eva Aylagas Martinez, a postdoctoral fellow at KAUST's Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), studies changes in Red Sea communities using environmental DNA. She first visited KAUST during her Ph.D. as part of a collaboration with a European research project (DEVOTES). Her research is supervised by KAUST Professor Michael Berumen. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in attracting international research talent to study critical environmental issues in the Red Sea, contributing to marine conservation efforts.
KAUST Research Scientist Dr. Ram Karan received a Young Scientist Award at the 15th International Congress on Thermophiles in Japan for his work on extremozymes from Red Sea brine pools. His research focuses on identifying, purifying, and bioengineering microbial proteins from these pools. He utilizes single-amplified genomes (SAGs) to produce extremozyme proteins without needing to grow cells in the lab. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's innovative research into extremophiles, which have the potential to develop novel, sustainable biotechnical processes for industrial applications.
KAUST will host 96 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) finalists from 64 countries for an entrepreneurship bootcamp, in partnership with the Misk Global Forum (MGF). The finalists will receive training at KAUST to prepare for the EWC global finals at the MGF in Riyadh in November. Six of the finalists are from Saudi Arabia and are graduates of KAUST's entrepreneurship programs. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for global entrepreneurship and aligns with its economic transformation goals by attracting international startups and talent.
KAUST Professor Kim Choon Ng and his team, including Drs. Muhammad Shahzad, Muhammad Burhan, and Doskhan Ybyraiymkul, received a best paper award at the International Desalination Association World Congress in Dubai. Their winning paper focused on solar-powered cyclone-enhanced seawater desalination. The innovation improves energy efficiency, achieving 22% of the thermodynamic limit compared to less than 13% in conventional methods. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to sustainable water solutions and innovations in desalination technology, crucial for water-scarce regions.
KAUST researchers collaborated with the Blue Brain Project to study astrocytes, brain cells crucial for memory and learning. Dr. Corrado Calì produced 3D models of astrocytes using serial block-face electron microscopy to understand their structure. The study, published in Progress in Neurobiology, reveals how lactate transfer from astrocytes to neurons contributes to brain energy usage. Why it matters: Understanding astrocyte function could lead to new drugs for treating conditions like stroke and Alzheimer's disease by improving brain cell function.
KAUST Associate Professor Xiangliang Zhang leads the Machine Intelligence and Knowledge Engineering (MINE) group, focusing on machine learning and data mining algorithms for AI applications. The MINE group researches complex graph data to profile nodes, predict links, detect computing communities, and understand their connections. Zhang's team also works on graph alignment and recommender systems. Why it matters: This research contributes to advancing machine learning techniques at a leading GCC institution, potentially impacting various AI applications in the region.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Muhammad Jamil won the best poster award at the 15th World Congress on Parasitic Plants for his research on combating the parasitic plant *Striga hermonthica*. His poster outlined his work at KAUST on developing technologies to help farmers in sub-Saharan Africa control this weed, which severely impacts cereal crops. Jamil is part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded project at KAUST focused on controlling *Striga* in pearl millet. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to addressing critical food security challenges in Africa through innovative agricultural technologies.
KAUST alumna Sara Althubaiti (M.S. '18) is now a computer science Ph.D. student in the Bio-Ontology Research Group, focusing on using AI to prioritize cancer mutations and predict new disease treatments. Her work involves understanding the relationship between drug side effects and disease phenotypes. Althubaiti aims to continue in academia after her Ph.D., contributing to research in Saudi universities. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering local talent and contributing to advancements in AI-driven healthcare research within the Kingdom.
KAUST research engineer Samy Ould-Chikh is collaborating with the Néel Institute-CNRS at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France. They are using the ESRF's high-energy synchrotron light source to study the inner structure of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. Ould-Chikh's research focuses on catalysis and functional materials, with an emphasis on renewable energy and photocatalysis. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights KAUST's engagement with leading international research institutions to advance materials science and energy research.
KAUST postdoctoral fellows Eloise Bihar and Abdellatif Ait Lahcen won Young Scientist awards at the Euroanalysis XX Conference in Turkey. Ait Lahcen won for his work on sensors detecting toxic compounds using ultrasound probes. Bihar won for her research on inkjet-printed biosensors for glucose detection, a collaboration between the Salama, Inal, and Baran groups at KAUST. Why it matters: The awards recognize KAUST's strength in developing innovative sensor technologies with potential applications in environmental monitoring and healthcare.
KAUST and the King Faisal Prize (KFP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on October 10, 2019 to promote the exchange of information and expertise. The collaboration includes hosting joint conferences, lectures, and events. KFP will benefit from KAUST's scientists to assist in its selection procedures. Why it matters: This partnership between a leading Saudi university and a prestigious international prize strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for scientific research and innovation.
KAUST's Vice President for Research, Donal Bradley, received the 2019 Jan Czochralski Award from the European Materials Research Society for his work in advanced materials science. He was presented with the award at a ceremony in Warsaw, Poland, and gave a lecture titled "Tuning Conjugated Polymer Electronic and Optical Properties via Physical Structure and Environment." Bradley is the 16th recipient of the award, joining a list including Nobel laureate Shuji Nakamura. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's leadership in materials science and its commitment to attracting top researchers in this critical field.
KAUST Professor of Material Science and Engineering, Husam Alshareef, has been named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Alshareef leads the Functional Nanomaterials & Devices research group at KAUST. The group focuses on developing semiconductor nanomaterials for diverse applications. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contribution to advanced materials science and engineering and elevates the university's reputation in the international scientific community.
KAUST Professors Mohamed Eddaoudi and Omar Knio have received the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers. Eddaoudi was recognized for his work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for clean energy and carbon capture, while Knio was honored for his contributions to mathematical modeling and simulation of thermo-fluid systems. The award, established in 1982, recognizes outstanding scientific output and aims to encourage a culture of scientific research in the Arab world. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the impactful research being conducted at KAUST and underscores the importance of Arab researchers' contributions to solving regional and global challenges.
KAUST researchers are working to improve gene editing tools, specifically CRISPR/Cas9, for crop bioengineering to address food security challenges. Magdy Mahfouz's lab is developing a germline engineering platform to produce gene-edited plants without foreign DNA and bypass time-consuming tissue culture. A recent European court decision classifies CRISPR/Cas9 crops as GMOs, facing stringent regulations, contrasting with the U.S. where CRISPR-edited mushrooms are already available. Why it matters: Advances in gene editing at KAUST could significantly enhance crop yields and stress tolerance in the region, but regulatory hurdles remain a key challenge for deployment.
KAUST Professor Marc Genton received the International Statistical Institute's Service Award 2019 for his leadership as editor-in-chief of the journal Stat. His research group at KAUST focuses on developing statistical tools relevant to Saudi Arabia's knowledge economy transition. Genton is also working with the University of Notre Dame on wind energy implementation and infrastructure assessment for NEOM. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to statistical research and its application to renewable energy and economic development in Saudi Arabia.
A group of KAUST students and research scientists from the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC), Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC) and Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science & Engineering (CEMSE) division attended the 2019 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. This was part of the five-year research and development agreement between KAUST and McLaren Racing Limited. The KAUST group joined members from McLaren at the Bahrain International Circuit to observe the results of their partnership. Why it matters: This collaboration demonstrates KAUST's commitment to applying its research expertise in advanced engineering and computing to real-world challenges in motorsports, potentially leading to innovations in vehicle performance and efficiency.